Sunday, May 3, 2009

Dad had planned to go to church and share his testimony and gratitude to the members for all their support and love and for the luncheon. Dad said Saturday night was his worst yet. Sunday morning he was dreading going alone when Eddie showed up. They went together. It was a great experience. The Bishop was gone but had written a note to be read expressing his thanks for the many who helped put on the luncheon. Then he added a personal note about Mom and expressed some thoughts of her. From there, most who got up spoke about Mom. The Bishop counselor added his comments. The young man who has been bringing Mom the Sacrament each Sunday got up and spoke about the privilege of coming to see her weekly and the feelings and Spirit he felt with her. Dad said about 80% of the meeting was about Mom.

Later, some of the family ended up at Dad's. We watched the video once again but this time he paused it explaining some of the pictures or the stories behind them. There was a lot of inspiration that went into the making of it. We are so grateful to have it. Well, we are grateful Dad has it and we are holding out for a copy of our own. Dad said over and over, "This is a good day!"

Saturday May 2, 2009

The events of this passed month continue to run through my head. So many good things, profound experiences and tender feelings that are not easily forgotten. The veil has been so thin and the Spirit strong. I find I want to hang on.

There has also been so much laughter when we are together. I just have to post the Tim story. Anyone who knows Tim will enjoy this.

Monday evening after the funeral many were gathered at Dad's. We were standing around the kitchen munching and mingling. It was the last night we had with those from out of town. Lindsey, Paul and Morgan were leaving that night. We just wanted to be together and soak in all of Randy and Coco's family we could as well as Mary's, Dee's and Tom's families.

Dad coaxed Mary to ask in front of the group what would happen to the leftover pharmacy Mom left. Dad reacted by going to the fridge and pulling down the box of gathered meds. He reached in and pulled out the bottle of morphine. He gave it to Tim and said, "I believe you had dibbs on this." Tim opened the bottle and emptied its entire contents in his mouth. There were many gasps and moans from the group. He swallowed a moment later when he recognized it was blue gatorade which was a perfect look alike. When the laughter and shock quieted I explained that Tom and Ty refilled it with gatorade and had left it for Dad to give Tim on his birthday (April 23rd). Dad forgot. Krista had heard about it and tipped Tim off and he was prepared to play along. His contingency plan was not to swallow it just in case.

He even got Connie who knew about the gatorade but thought it was still on the desk. She thought Dad had given him the brand new refill we received the night she passed. Good times.

Thursday April 30, 2009

Today marks two weeks since Mom passed. Dad is ok. Nights are very difficult. He doesn't get much sleep. We continue to rally around him. Its as good for us as it is him being at the house. The video Eddie created is incredible and has really helped Dad out. In the last 3 days he's averaged 10 viewings a day give or take. He said he only had to watch it twice this morning to get himself going. It brings her back into the house and its just what he needs.

We start tomorrow clearing out the upstairs and going through Mom's things upstairs in preparation for Johns' family. They will be moving in next weekend. Its good to see Dad making a few changes to the house making it his own. For example, the knife set is back on the counter and the clock that is so loud and woke Mom is back up on the wall in his room. The bed spread and matching pillows help it to feel normal again like before Mom got sick.

Monday April 27, 2009

We gave Mom a great send off. The funeral went very well. The Spirit was so strong from beginning to end. Her requests for more music than speaking was such a great idea. The music was wonderul. Each speaking part, from Dave's welcome to Pres. Peterson's inspired and personal touch seemed the perfect segway to the next. You would have thought we planned the talks. Really everyone had their topic and that was it. It turned out better than any of us had hoped and we feel that Mom was pleased. There was so much love and tender happiness around, undeniable strong feelings.

Bishop estimated that there were about 750-800 in attendance. So many dear friends, old and new, were there to give support and express love. It was very humbling.

Best part is that Eddie received permission to record it on video so that we can send it to family and Ecuadorian Missionaries that weren't able to attend.

After filling up at the luncheon (with delicious food) we visited with cousins and close friends. Eddie showed a video he put together of Mom. It is PERFECT! It just brought Mom right back to us. The majority of the crowd didn't leave until about 4 pm. We just didn't want the closeness to end.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Sleep did not come for Dad most of the night. He is resting now. That is good because by this afternoon Tom and his family will be here. Uncle Randy arrives this evening and Tim and family are coming to celebrate his birthday.

As the weekend approaches there are many emotions. Its been so busy that I don't think we would have been ready. The extra time has been good. On the other hand, with the weekend here some of us are feeling anxious and are not looking forward to it.

Its a week ago today that Mom passed.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Dad received a phone call this morning from Franklin Romeo one of the visa waiters. His visa was denied. After waiting all day we heard from Omar Coronel, the other visa waiter. He was also denied. Needless to say, we are quite disappointed. They were not only treated rudely but really weren't even given audience.

Today the obituary was published and seeing it in print was sobering. While we're at the house busily making preparations for the weekend it just doesn't seem real. It feels as though Mom will get home any moment to join the hustle and bustle. The obituary brought the realization that she isn't coming home.

She is HOME. When we think of her we feel celebratory and happy. There is no doubt that she is well and so happy. She successfully completed her mission on the earth. Congratulations to her. We all hope we will do as well.

The difficulty is for those of us still here to not miss her too much and to watch Dad in those inevitable difficult moments where he longs to have her at his side. Today had many of those moments.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Dad feels stronger each day. Last night was his first night alone (at his request.) He said it wasn't that big of an adjustment as some of us were there until after 11 pm and Mom would usually be asleep before him. He slept great without waking once. But, morning was very lonely. He spent the morning taking calls until he ate his 1 cup of 9 grain alone. By mid morning he had a welcomed crowd of girls and grandchildren. He is in good spirits and is his cheery self. He is so pleased with the casket we found.

We are trying to get caught up, get the house ready for guests and finish details for funeral so we can pull away as family arrives Thursday through the weekend. It will be good to be back together again. Randy is bringing his whole family. We are very excited about this.

Its fun to see all the pictures being gathered for the video.

We're also anxious to hear the news of visas tomorrow regarding our Ecuadorian friends.